{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gray Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3530704,"projectId":9501713,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and donation to my PreK classroom. Your donation made it possible for me to be fully prepared for the beginning of the school year. I was able to purchase back to school supplies to help me welcome my students before they even walked in the door. \r\n\r\nMy students have been using the journals weekly to draw and write in for our small groups. They also are still using the lanyards to facilitate our time in the lunch line. Having these supplies have made our day run smoother and more efficiently. \r\n\r\nOnce again I appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1755282986102,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-essentials/9501713/","projectTitle":"Back to School Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Toledo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3530704"},{"teacherId":8098292,"projectId":9118131,"letterContent":"I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to support our art studio. Your contribution is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and helping to provide them with the tools and resources they need to explore their creativity.\r\n\r\nWith your donation, we will be able to enhance our art program, providing our young artists with the opportunity to develop their skills and express themselves in new and exciting ways. Your support is truly helping to foster a love of art that will inspire them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and for investing in the future of our students. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1740691503859,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-running-out/9118131/","projectTitle":"We are Running Out","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8098292_orig.jpg?crop=1948,1948,x0,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763232318849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8098292"},{"teacherId":1918240,"projectId":9406315,"letterContent":"We have been so excited to use our new headphones in the classroom! The headphones aren't just an accessory; they're a vital tool that has profoundly changed how our students learn, offering a level of focus and personalization that was previously impossible. In a busy classroom, external distractions like hallway noise or other students' independent work can derail concentration. The headphones immediately solve this by creating a private auditory space for each student, allowing for deep, sustained focus on the task at hand. This environment is crucial for success, whether they're completing a practice quiz, working through a complex digital lesson, or using an interactive vocabulary app.\r\n\r\nWhat our students are most excited about is the immediate sense of control and independence this technology provides. Putting on the headphones is like flipping a switch that says, \"I'm in my learning zone now.\" It enables us to use highly engaging multimedia content—like educational videos, CPS online apps, and gamified learning platforms—that wouldn't be possible to play out loud. This makes our lessons feel more modern and relevant. The biggest draw is that the headphones facilitate self-paced learning: students can pause, rewind, and re-listen to instructions as many times as they need, completely tailoring the pace to their own comprehension level.\r\n\r\nWe've seen the most dramatic and heartwarming improvements with students who previously faced barriers. Our English Language Learners (ELLs), for instance, are thriving because they can repeatedly listen to clear pronunciation and easily use translation software without feeling self-conscious. Similarly, students who qualify for text-to-speech accommodations are now accessing grade-level reading material independently for the first time, shifting their focus from the struggle of decoding words to the joy of comprehension. The headphones have been a game-changer for these learners, boosting their confidence and allowing them to participate in class as equals. I can't thank you enough for empowering our entire classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759006626842,"projectUrl":"project/soundscapes-and-solitude/9406315/","projectTitle":"Soundscapes and Solitude","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ericson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1918240_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x1421,y1189&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716563171494","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1918240"},{"teacherId":1918240,"projectId":9405024,"letterContent":"We have been so excited to use our new headphones in the classroom! The headphones aren't just an accessory; they're a vital tool that has profoundly changed how our students learn, offering a level of focus and personalization that was previously impossible. In a busy classroom, external distractions like hallway noise or other students' independent work can derail concentration. The headphones immediately solve this by creating a private auditory space for each student, allowing for deep, sustained focus on the task at hand. This environment is crucial for success, whether they're completing a practice quiz, working through a complex digital lesson, or using an interactive vocabulary app.\r\n\r\nWhat our students are most excited about is the immediate sense of control and independence this technology provides. Putting on the headphones is like flipping a switch that says, \"I'm in my learning zone now.\" It enables us to use highly engaging multimedia content—like educational videos, CPS online apps, and gamified learning platforms—that wouldn't be possible to play out loud. This makes our lessons feel more modern and relevant. The biggest draw is that the headphones facilitate self-paced learning: students can pause, rewind, and re-listen to instructions as many times as they need, completely tailoring the pace to their own comprehension level.\r\n\r\nWe've seen the most dramatic and heartwarming improvements with students who previously faced barriers. Our English Language Learners (ELLs), for instance, are thriving because they can repeatedly listen to clear pronunciation and easily use translation software without feeling self-conscious. Similarly, students who qualify for text-to-speech accommodations are now accessing grade-level reading material independently for the first time, shifting their focus from the struggle of decoding words to the joy of comprehension. The headphones have been a game-changer for these learners, boosting their confidence and allowing them to participate in class as equals. I can't thank you enough for empowering our entire classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759231816553,"projectUrl":"project/diving-deeper-into-reading/9405024/","projectTitle":"Diving Deeper into Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ericson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1918240_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x1421,y1189&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716563171494","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1918240"},{"teacherId":3530704,"projectId":9078198,"letterContent":"My students are loving the games and activities your generosity have provided! The days that we have to stay inside instead of playing outside due to weather are often challenging. Students my age need active and hands on engagement in order to provide the gross motor minutes they need throughout the day. \r\nThe students look forward to using the basketball hoop, hopscotch, and balance beams on days that are rainy and cold. I oftentimes have to set up a timer in order to allow new groups of friends to play with the indoor basketball net because it is so popular!","fullyFundedDate":1746627285316,"projectUrl":"project/the-indoor-recess-blues/9078198/","projectTitle":"The Indoor Recess Blues","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Toledo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3530704"},{"teacherId":7926523,"projectId":9139249,"letterContent":"Thank you for the graphic novels you donated to our classroom. Thanks to your donation our students were able to read novels in their native language. Providing books in students' native languages fosters stronger literacy skills in both their native language and English. It also, enhances cultural identity and belonging, and promotes deeper comprehension and engagement with learning. \r\n\r\nThe graphic novels have also been incredibly helpful for our struggling readers by offering a visual and engaging way to access stories and build confidence.\r\n\r\nstudents are so excited to read their new books and are learning and growing. Your generosity has been such a blessing and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746627588657,"projectUrl":"project/great-graphic-novels-for-kids-great-tim/9139249/","projectTitle":"Great Graphic Novels for Kids! Great Times!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7926523_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166927497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7926523"},{"teacherId":7926523,"projectId":9226817,"letterContent":"Thank you for the novels you donated. Thanks to your donations, our students are excited about reading. These novels are great for all students. They have helped strengthen vocabulary, build confidence, reading stamina, and develop a deeper appreciation of storytelling. Your generosity has helped students develop reading clubs in which they are able to enjoy deep discussions and analyze challenging themes related to their novels. Students enjoy their small group discussions and spending time reading with their classmates. \r\n\r\n
With gratitude,
Ms.","fullyFundedDate":1744244053611,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-literary/9226817/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Literary!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7926523_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166927497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7926523"},{"teacherId":137563,"projectId":8841445,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that allowed me to bring the novel \"The Hunger Games\" to my students. My students LOVED the book and several of them are now reading the entire series, thanks to you! \r\n In class, students made connections to modern day issues as we read the novel. The Capitol's authoritarian control provides a stark example of unchecked power. Students analyzed Panem and how its government maintained control, the impact on citizens, and the dangers of tyranny. Students explored concepts centered on justice, fairness, and distribution of resources. The conversations we had that were centered on the novel have been some of my absolute favorites this school year. \r\n To really bring reading to life, I think it is essential that the students make connections to real life events. Within the enclosed photographs, you will find not just student work, but some of the opportunities for discussion related to this awesome book. \r\n Thank you for helping me guide some of my most reluctant readers to a book they truly enjoyed. At the school year's end, I administer a survey asking students to reflect on their learning over the course of the year. know this novel will be voted as one of our classroom's favorites. \r\n Thank you for being a part of our learning! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1732561475676,"projectUrl":"project/may-the-odds-be-ever-in-your-favor/8841445/","projectTitle":"May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rocuant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp137563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491844451560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/137563"},{"teacherId":8729796,"projectId":8629418,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the Hand to Mind Kit for my students to use during reading centers. My students love the hands on manipulatives to use to sound out words. There are quite a few different manipulatives to choose from in each of the colorful bags. The children use those manipulatives to help them stretch out the word so they can hear the sounds in the word. Then they write the letters that they hear on their mat. The manipulatives my students love the best are the magnet wand, colorful pop its, and the stretchy tube. They are so engaged at this center that I am able to work with other groups at my reading table. It's a win - win for all of us.\r\n\r\n I also use it with my students during reading time that need extra support writing and reading cvc words. There is so much in that kit that it meets all my students needs which is why I wanted it so badly. My students and I are very grateful that you donated to this project. It will be used in my classroom for many years to come. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1731696223324,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning/8629418/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8729796_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674059769400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8729796"},{"teacherId":8098292,"projectId":8413861,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your support of me and my students. Knowing that you believe in me as a teacher makes the hard moments easier and the rewarding moments even better. \r\n\r\nYour generosity allows me to dream bigger. I can plan for projects that require new tools and I can create an event better learning environment. Thank you!\r\n\r\nThe iPad has been a great additional to our classroom learning tools. Students have been using it to photograph their work, look up reference images and play art games.","fullyFundedDate":1717426249216,"projectUrl":"project/make-it-last-forever/8413861/","projectTitle":"Make it Last Forever","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8098292_orig.jpg?crop=1948,1948,x0,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763232318849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8098292"},{"teacherId":7926523,"projectId":8509917,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom! It really makes a difference for the children in our community. We service children with limited resources. They struggle to get basic materials. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, students have all the materials they need to succeed in school. Students were given notebooks, pencils, folders and paper that they needed for regular assignments. Other material's like markers, crayons, and art supplies were used for classroom projects and other creative activities.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your ongoing support of our students! \r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nNélida ortiz","fullyFundedDate":1726672909265,"projectUrl":"project/packed-and-ready-to-learn/8509917/","projectTitle":"Packed and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7926523_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166927497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7926523"},{"teacherId":137563,"projectId":8501415,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom with powerful literature and stories that will help me teach indigenous people's history. Because of your donation, my students have found not only a new author they love, but in class, we have used the novel to inspire speeches, engage in debate, and learn more about social justice.\r\n In the coming month, we will write memoirs inspired by our own histories. Thank you for your generosity and support; your decision to support our classroom means the world to both myself and my students. \r\n Enclosed in our \"thank you package\" are some of the moments snapped in class related to the novel. I know as the year unfolds, these books will truly be one of our classroom's favorite novels. It truly takes a village to raise a child, thank you for being part of ours. \r\n We LOVE Donors Choose!","fullyFundedDate":1726672909490,"projectUrl":"project/carpe-librum-seize-the-book/8501415/","projectTitle":"Carpe Librum: Seize the Book","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rocuant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp137563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491844451560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/137563"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_5382","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":988,"numTeachers":67,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.4,"schoolId":5382,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gray Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gray Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/chicago-public-school-district-299/gray-elementary-school/5382"}